​Autism Programming at the
​Hormel Historic Home

Upcoming Events & Registration

​2024 Autism Camp Information

Circle of Friends Day Camp

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  • After registering, download the Participant Packet by clicking here and submit the completed packet to the Hormel Historic Home via mail or during regular office hours.

  • Circle of Friends Day Camp offers 5 days of educational programming for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) entering 1st through 5th grades. 
  • Camp is Daily June 24-28, 2024 from 9:30am-2:45pm 
  • Registration is now closed for our 2024 Camp
  • A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a spot; the full registration fee is due by May 31, 2024 but can be paid in full upon initial registration.  To inquire about a scholarship (after reserving a participant's spot) contact our Community Autism Resource Specialist, Danielle Hernandez-Miller, here or call 507-433-4243.
  • Camp Directors are: Hannah Gwin & Laura Eyre
  • This camp is staffed by Special Education Professionals primarily from Austin Public Schools and Mayo Clinic Health Systems Albert Lea/Austin. 
  • The curriculum is developed around the interests of the registered campers to ensure a high level of participation. ​​
  • Capacity is limited to 20 participants.
  • For questions or to find our more details email our Community Autism Resource Specialist, Danielle Hernandez-Miller, here or call 507-433-4243

All Access Community Explorations Camp

  • After registering, download the Participant Packet by clicking here and submit the completed packet to the Hormel Historic Home via mail or during regular office hours.
  • All Access Community Explorations Camp (AACE) is a 10 session educational camp that focuses on helping  participants learn new skills and use them in new situations.  This camp is to address the needs of young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) entering 6th through 12th grades.
  • 2024 Camp Dates are: July 8-19 (Mondays-Fridays only); either 9am-12pm or 1-4pm.
  • Registration is now closed for our 2024 Camp
  • A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a spot; the full registration fee is due by June 7, 2024 but can be paid in full upon initial registration.  To inquire about a scholarship (after reserving a participant's spot) contact our Community Autism Resource Specialist, Danielle Hernandez-Miller, here or call 507-433-4243.
  • Camp Director is: Carrie Murphy
  • This camp is staffed by Special Education Professionals primarily from Austin Public Schools and Mayo Clinic Health Systems Albert Lea/Austin. 
  • The curriculum is developed around teaching life skills, communication skills, and includes 'behind-the-scenes' tours of local businesses.  The tours provide an opportunity to practice life skills and communication skills with the support of camp staff. Participants become familiar with community sites and businesses they may need to utilize in the future as well as explore potential job opportunities at these locations.
  • Capacity is limited to 24 participants.
  • For questions or to find our more details email our Community Autism Resource Specialist, Danielle Hernandez-Miller, here or call 507-433-4243

​Camp Just for Me

  • After registering, download the Participant Packet by clicking here and submit the completed packet to the Hormel Historic Home via mail or during regular office hours.
  • Camp Just for Me is a five session educational and fun experience for children on the Autism Spectrum who require more individualized attention.  The camp serves children and young adults ages 7-17 who benefit from 1 on 1 staffing.
  • 2024 Camp Dates are: July 29- August 2; 2-5pm
  • Registration is now open for our 2024 Camp
  • A non-refundable ​deposit is required to reserve a spot; the full registration fee is due by June 21, 2024 but can be paid in full upon initial registration.  To inquire about a scholarship (after reserving a participant's spot) contact our Community Autism Resource Specialist, Danielle Hernandez-Miller, here or call 507-433-4243.
  • Camp Director: Rachel Kaplan
  • This camp is staffed by Special Education Professionals primarily from Austin Public Schools and Mayo Clinic Health Systems Albert Lea/Austin. 
  • The curriculum is developed around allowing young people with the greatest needs to experience games, art, music, and community outings.  Campers will be supported by qualified and passionate staff.
  • Camp capacity is limited to 10 participants.
  • For questions or to find our more details email our Community Autism Resource Specialist, Danielle Hernandez-Miller, here or call 507-433-4243

Little Learners

  • After registering, download the Participant Packet by clicking here and submit the completed packet to the Hormel Historic Home via mail or during regular office hours.
  • Little Learners Camp is three partial days of social and educational programming for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) 3 years of age through entering Kindergarten.
  • 2024 Camp Dates: August 6 - 8; 2-3:30 pm
  • Registration is now closed for our 2024 Camp
  • A non-refundable ​deposit is required to reserve a spot; the full registration fee is due by June 28, 2024 but can be paid in full upon initial registration. To inquire about a scholarship (after reserving participant’s spot) contact our Community Autism Resource Specialist, Danielle Hernandez-Miller, here or call 507-433-4243.
  • Camp Director: Rachel Underwood
  • This camp is staffed by Special Education Professionals primarily from Austin Public Schools and
    Mayo Clinic Health System Albert Lea/Austin.
  • The curriculum is developed around the interests and ability levels of the registered campers to ensure a high level of participation and success. Campers will be supported by our qualified and passionate staff.
  • Capacity is limited 8 participants.
  • For questions or to find out more details, email our Community Autism Resource Specialist, Danielle Hernandez-Miller, here or call 507-433-4243.
ASD Recreation Events 
We know it is difficult for families affected by and Autism diagnosis to feel comfortable leaving their children with a caregiver.  The purpose of ASD Recreation Nights (formerly known as Respite Night) is to offer families a couple hours away, confident that their child is being cared for by ASD trained staff.

Youth in kindergarten through 12th grade who have been diagnosed with ASD are invited to attend events designed specifically for their age group.  Activities may include games, snack, swimming, and special holiday events.

The child must be preregistered at the Hormel Historic Home.  Please register your child online using the links at the tope of this page Hormel Historic Home by the Thursday prior to the event. In order to host the event we need at least 5 or 6 kids registered depending on the activity.  No registration fees will be accepted at the events, pre-registration is required.

We also have Teen/Young Adult Events.  Your teen or young adult can come and connect with friends, hang out, play a few games, and learn a fun craft or skill!
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​In 2009, with the addition of the 6000 square foot banquet hall, the leaders of the Hormel Historic Home made the commitment to increase educational programming offerings that benefit the community of Austin.  With the rise in diagnosed cases of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, our organization decided to offer a space where the needs of families affected by ASD could be met.  

We now offer the Circle of Friends Day Camp for kids entering 1st through 5th grade and All Access Community Explorations, a 10 session camp for youth entering 6th through 12th grades.  In 2015 we added Camp Just for Me in order to meet the needs of kids on the Spectrum who need greater assistance.  CJFM is a 5 session program for up to 10 young people ages 7-17.  

In order to allow our younger campers to get together throughout the year we started the ASD Recreation and Teen Nights Program which offers parents a few hours off and the kids a fun night of socializing and activity at the Austin YMCA.  ASD Recreation night programming is currently available for youth in K-12th grades. 

In 2017, the Hormel Historic Home created " Autism Friendly Austin (part of the Hormel Historic Home)" with the goal of making the entire community of Austin aware of how those on the spectrum can be included in the community.  The AFA initiative has trained and qualified businesses and services providers as Autism Friendly and has hosted a variety of  activities dedicated to raising awareness of Autism throughout the year. 

Downloadable Social Narrative to assist those with sensory processing disorders when visiting the Hormel Historic Home.

The autism programming at the Hormel Historic Home relies on fundraising and donations.  All money raised remains in Mower County to support youth on the Autism Spectrum.  Thank you for considering making a tax deductible donation today.
Autism Programming Support
Long version, 9 minutes
Short version, 3 minutes
 Resources to help families cope with the COVID-19 pandemic
Carol Gray Pandemics and the Corona Virus Social Story
​Dealing with Coronavirus Anxiety
Narative to explain coronavirus situation
​How to cope with school closures resource
A Guide to Dental Care for Children with Autism​
Music Therapy at home resource ​Toneworks Music Therapy Services LLC.
Visit Autism Speaks for more resources
Autism Parenting Magazine Resources
Coronavirus basics
Ideas for at home activities
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Suggested entertainment:
TV Shows: Atypical and The Good Doctor
Movies: The Temple Grandin Movie
Books (Adult): Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night, House Rules
Books (Young Readers): Rules

ASD Parent/Caregiver Network: ​Healthy Relationships for All Abilities
Presentation Materials

​Learn more about the programming by view the videos below.
More videos available on YouTube
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Our annual Stepping Out for Autism Walk is held in the springtime.